Variquest Poster Maker 3600 User manual

User’s Guide

ii VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600
Copyright
This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be copied or reproduced by any
means without the prior consent of Brady Worldwide, Inc.
While every precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, Brady assumes no liability to any party for any
loss or damage caused by errors or omissions or by statements resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.
Brady further assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of this document. Brady
disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Brady reserves the right to make changes without further notice to any product or system herein to improve reliability,
function or design.
Reproduction of this material, in part or whole, is strictly prohibited without the written permission of Brady
Worldwide, Inc. For more information contact: Varitronics®at 6835 Winnetka Circle, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55428
USA.
Trademarks
Varitronics is a registered trademark of Brady Worldwide, Inc. VariQuest is a trademark of Brady Worldwide, Inc.
All other brand or product names referenced in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies or organizations.

VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600 iii
Standard warranty
Brady Worldwide, Inc., through its Varitronics®business unit, warrants the equipment and accessories comprising the
VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600 will be free from defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year from the date
of customer purchase. Original serial number must appear on product. Removal of serial numbers will void this
warranty and any equipment and accessories that have been altered or modified in any way and are not as originally
purchased will void this warranty.
Varitronics will at its option repair, replace or refund the purchase price of any accessories, supplies or equipment
found to be defective under this warranty. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
In the event of breach of this expressed warranty, or any other warranty, whether expressed or implied, Varitronics
liability shall be limited to the remedy provided by the preceding paragraph. IN NO EVENT WILL VARITRONICS
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, NOR WILL
VARITRONICS EVER BE LIABLE FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF THE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS, IN AN AMOUNT
GREATER THAN THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED BY THIS EXPRESSED
WARRANTY. No agent, distributor, salesperson, wholesaler or retail dealer has authority to bind Varitronics to any
other affirmation, representation or warranty concerning these goods.
FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference
at his own expense.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility Notice)
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Reglement sur le material broilleur du Canada.

iv VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600
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VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600 v
Table of Contents
Copyright................................................................................................................................................ii
Trademarks ............................................................................................................................................ii
Standard warranty ................................................................................................................................iii
Chapter 1: Getting Started ...................................................................................................... 1-1
Unpacking and setting up the printer ............................................................................................1-2
Items included in the package.................................................................................................. 1-2
Unpacking the printer ............................................................................................................... 1-2
Positioning the printer............................................................................................................... 1-3
Connecting to a computer ........................................................................................................1-3
Connecting the power cord...................................................................................................... 1-3
Safety precautions ............................................................................................................................. 1-4
Proper use of the printer ................................................................................................................. 1-7
Chapter 2: Printer Features, Parts and Paper ....................................................................... 2-1
Poster Maker features....................................................................................................................... 2-2
System parts....................................................................................................................................... 2-5
Front view ................................................................................................................................... 2-5
Rear view ..................................................................................................................................... 2-5
Scanner......................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Printer .......................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Control panel .............................................................................................................................. 2-7
Message display/Standby screen.............................................................................................. 2-8
Poster Maker paper........................................................................................................................... 2-9
Automatic supply sensing ......................................................................................................... 2-9
Paper types .................................................................................................................................. 2-9
Tips for using Poster Maker paper........................................................................................ 2-10
Paper storage and handling..................................................................................................... 2-11
Removing ink film from TTP and HDP paper................................................................... 2-11
Chapter 3: The Basics ............................................................................................................. 3-1
Installing Poster Maker paper ......................................................................................................... 3-2
Installing the left paper bracket ...............................................................................................3-3
About the scanning and printing areas .......................................................................................... 3-4
Printing a basic document ............................................................................................................... 3-5
Printing multiple copies ................................................................................................................... 3-6
Changing the paper cutting option................................................................................................. 3-7
Changing the print mode................................................................................................................. 3-8
Changing the contrast ...................................................................................................................... 3-9
Changing the output size ............................................................................................................... 3-10
Printing banners .............................................................................................................................. 3-11

vi VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600
Enlarging part of a document ....................................................................................................... 3-12
Creating a command sheet ..................................................................................................... 3-13
Printing the enlargement......................................................................................................... 3-14
Split printing .................................................................................................................................... 3-15
Selecting the display units.............................................................................................................. 3-17
Chapter 4: Advanced Features ............................................................................................... 4-1
Advanced Setup mode ..................................................................................................................... 4-2
Function descriptions................................................................................................................ 4-3
Network setup................................................................................................................................... 4-4
Automatic network settings......................................................................................................4-4
Manual network settings ........................................................................................................... 4-5
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting and Maintenance...................................................................... 5-1
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................ 5-2
Error messages and responses ................................................................................................. 5-2
Problems and solutions............................................................................................................. 5-3
Cleaning the system .......................................................................................................................... 5-5
Cleaning the printer ................................................................................................................... 5-6
Cleaning the scanner.................................................................................................................. 5-7
Specifications

VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600 1-1
Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing the VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600! To get the most from your Poster
Maker, please read this user’s guide thoroughly and follow all instructions carefully. Keep this guide
near the Poster Maker so that it is available for reference.
This chapter provides instructions for unpacking and setting up your VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600
and contains information about how to use the Poster Maker properly and safely.
The chapter contains these sections:
• Unpacking and setting up the printer (page 1-2)
• Items included in the package (page 1-2)
• Unpacking the printer (page 1-2)
• Positioning the printer (page 1-3)
• Connecting to a computer (page 1-3)
• Connecting the power cord (page 1-3)
• Safety precautions (page 1-4)
• Proper use of the printer (page 1-7)

1-2 Getting Started VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600
Unpacking and setting up the printer
Items included in the package
Verify that all of the following items have been included in the Poster Maker box.
Unpacking the printer
Main unit
Electrical power cord Paper bracket
User’s guide
USB cable
Packing materials for shuttle unit
(cardboard)
Platen rubber protector
(cardboard)
Packing material
for top cover
Caution
NOTE: Carefully remove the clear,
protective film on the panel display.
Before turning the printer on, be sure to remove the cardboard protecting the
shuttle unit and the platen rubber protector.
Save the box and packing materials for future use. When moving or shipping the
printer, carefully insert the packing materials to prevent damage to the system.

VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600 Getting Started 1-3
Positioning the printer
To ensure proper functioning of the printer, allow adequate space around the system as shown below. (Units
are inches/mm.) Position the printer on a sturdy, flat surface that is capable of supporting its weight.
Connecting to a computer
The Poster Maker provides a standard interface for connecting to a
computer (USB connector) or a computer network (LAN connector).
In both cases, you need to install the printer driver on the computer
and connect the appropriate cable. If you are connecting to the
VariQuest™ Design Center 1000, the drivers are preinstalled. When
installing the VariQuest™ Design Center software on a PC, do
not connect the Poster Maker’s USB cable until instructed to do
so during the software installation process.
For information about using the Poster Maker as a network printer, refer to “Network setup” on page 4-4.
Connecting the power cord
Connect the power cord to the
printer. Then insert the power
plug into a three-prong wall
socket.
Wall Surface
Table
LAN connector
USB connector
Network
cable
USB
cable
Power cord Power switch
Caution
Always connect the power
cord to the printer before
inserting the plug into a
power socket.

1-4 Getting Started VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600
Safety precautions
The instructions in this manual have been labeled with various types of caution and warning symbols. These symbols
indicate information that must be followed to avoid damage to property or injury to users of the printer or people in
the vicinity of the printer.
The degrees of damage or injury that may result from failing to properly follow the instructions in this manual are
classified as follows:
Improper use of the printer may result in Improper use of the printer may result in
injury or damage to property. serious injury or death.
Different types of instructions are labeled with the following symbols. (Other symbols are also used in this manual.)
Instructions labeled with this symbol must ALWAYS be followed.
An explanatory illustration will accompany the symbol.
Instructions labeled with this symbol are warnings against actions
that should NEVER be taken.
An explanatory illustration will accompany the symbol.
CAUTION WARNING

VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600 Getting Started 1-5
• Connect the printer to a 120V power source ONLY.
Connecting to a power source of any other voltage may result in fire or electrical
shock.
• Do not damage, crease or fold the power cord.
Altering the power cord, placing heavy objects on it or allowing it to become damaged,
creased or folded may result in fire or electrical shock.
• Do not connect the printer to a two-way or multiple-way extension cord.
Doing so may result in fire or electrical shock.
• Never insert or remove the plug with wet hands.
Doing so may result in electrical shock.
• Do not remove the cover from the printer.
Doing so may result in electrical shock.
• Always hold the plug firmly when removing it from the power socket. Do not
simply pull on the cord.
Pulling on the cord to remove the plug from the power socket or applying excessive
force when doing so may damage the cord, which may in turn result in fire or electrical
shock.
• If the printer overheats, emits smoke or gives off an unusual odor, turn off the
power switch immediately and remove the plug from the power socket.
If these problems occur, contact your Poster Maker Dealer. Continuing to use the
printer after such problems occur may result in fire or electrical shock.
• If metal objects, water or other liquids get inside the unit, turn off the power
switch immediately and remove the plug from the power socket.
If this problem occurs, contact your Poster Maker Dealer. Continuing to use the
printer after this problem occurs may result in fire or electrical shock.
• Always be sure the printer is properly grounded.
Failing to do so may cause power leakages, which may in turn result in fire or electrical
shock. If for some reason you are unable to ground the unit, contact your Poster
Maker Dealer for instructions.
• Never disassemble or modify the printer.
Doing so may result in fire or electrical shock. If the printer breaks down, turn off the
power switch, remove the plug from the power socket and contact your Poster Maker
Dealer.
WARNING
WARNING
REMOVING PLUG
GROUNDING
DISASSEMBLY

1-6 Getting Started VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600
• Do not place the printer on an unstable surface.
Doing so may cause the printer to fall, which may in turn result in bodily injury to you
or other people in the vicinity of the printer.
• Do not obstruct the ventilation slots.
Doing so may cause the internal temperature of the printer to rise to abnormally high
levels, which may cause a fire.
• Do not place vases, potted plants, metal objects, glasses or containers holding
water or other liquids on top of the printer.
If water or metal objects get inside the unit, a fire or electrical shock may result.
• Do not use the printer in areas subject to high humidity or large amounts of dust.
Doing so may result in electrical shock.
• Never insert metal or easily flammable objects inside the unit through the
ventilation slots.
Doing so may result in fire or electrical shock.
• Do not place heavy objects on top of the printer.
Doing so may cause the printer to fall, which may in turn result in bodily injury to you
or other people in the vicinity of the printer.
• Avoid overexertion when moving the printer.
Do not try to pick up or move the printer by yourself; this may result in bodily injury.
• Never push against the printer with excessive force or tilt the system at an angle.
Doing so may cause the printer to fall, which may in turn result in bodily injury to you
or other people in the vicinity of the printer.
• If the printer has been dropped or the cover damaged, turn off the power switch
and remove the power cord from the power socket.
If such problems occur, contact your Poster Maker Dealer. Continuing to use the
printer after such problems occur may result in fire or electrical shock.
• Before moving the printer, first turn off the power switch and remove the power
cord from the power socket.
Allowing the power cord to become damaged, creased or folded may result in fire or
electrical shock.
• If the printer will not be used for a long period of time, turn off the power switch
and remove the power cord from the power socket.
Failing to do so may cause power leakages, which may result in fire or electrical shock.
CAUTION
WARNING
REMOVING PLUG

VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600 Getting Started 1-7
Proper use of the printer
When installing paper, pull the end of the roll out so
that any slack is removed from the paper. Align the
paper with the guide marks on both the left and right. If
the paper is not inserted properly, the poster may print
at an angle or the paper may wrinkle.
Before printing, verify that the printer cover is
properly closed by pushing down on BOTH SIDES
until it locks into place. If both sides of the cover are not
closed, only part of your poster will print.
Avoid pressing down on the printer or scanner cover
while the printer is in operation.
Turn off the printer’s power switch before opening
the cover.
Do not turn the power off while the printer is
initializing or printing. Be sure the Ready indicator on
the control panel is lit before turning the power off.
Do not pull the paper out of the printer during
printing. Doing so may affect the quality of the poster.
Before printing, be sure the cutter is positioned on
the right side of the printer. If the cutter stops operating
due to an error and you need to move it to the right
manually, hold the cutter from the bottom (as shown
below) and move it towards the right until it stops. Do
not hold the top section; this may damage the cutter.
Do not lift the paper upward during the cutting
operation. This may cause a paper or cutter jam.
Guide mark
Guide mark
Press
Press
Power
switch
Do NOT
touch here.
Push
here.
Printing tip
It is best to turn the printer off before opening the cover to install paper. If you leave the printer on and then
install paper and close the cover, the printer will automatically advance the paper roll by approximately 1.8"
(45 mm), resulting in wasted paper. This does not occur if you turn the printer off before installing paper.

1-8 Getting Started VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600
When manually cutting the paper with the paper
cutter, be sure the piece of paper to be cut is at least 2"
(50 mm) wide. Cutting a narrower strip of paper could
cause a paper or cutter jam.
Do not touch the paper cutter while the cutter is
operating. This could result in injury to yourself or
damage to the system.
Avoid contact with the thermal heads (which retain
heat) immediately after using the printer. Be careful not
to damage the platen rubber. Do not wipe the platen
rubber with alcohol or other solvents.
Avoid placing the printer in a location where it is
subjected to direct sunlight or large amounts of dust, or
near an air conditioning or heating unit.
When moving the printer, be careful not to bend or
dent the cutter guard on the front of the system.
Ensure that pins, paper clips and other foreign
objects are not dropped inside the printer.
When cleaning the printer, carefully follow the
instructions in “Cleaning the system” on page 5-5.
Do not use abrasive cleaners, thinners, benzine or
rubbing alcohol to clean the printer; these may cause the
plastic to deteriorate or change color. When cleaning the
thermal heads, use only high-grade isopropyl alcohol
applied to a foam tip swab.

VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600 2-1
Printer Features, Parts and
Paper
This chapter provides an overview of the major features of the VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600. It
also illustrates the system’s parts and controls and contains information about the paper you can use
with the Poster Maker.
The chapter contains these sections:
• Poster Maker features (page 2-2)
• System parts (page 2-5)
• Front view (page 2-5)
• Rear view (page 2-5)
• Scanner (page 2-6)
•Printer(page2-6)
• Control panel (page 2-7)
• Message display/Standby screen (page 2-8)
• Poster Maker paper (page 2-9)
• Automatic supply sensing (page 2-9)
• Paper types (page 2-9)
• Tips for using Poster Maker paper (page 2-10)
• Paper storage and handling (page 2-11)
• Removing ink film from TTP and HDP paper (page 2-11)

2-2 Printer Features, Parts and Paper VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600
Poster Maker features
You can connect the Poster Maker to the VariQuest™Design Center 1000 or to a PC on which the VariQuest™
Design Center software has been installed. This allows you to create and print posters directly from the computer—
making the Poster Maker even easier to use!
The Poster Maker is designed to allow even first-time users to quickly print high-quality enlargements of letter-
sized documents. You can print up to ten copies of a document at the touch of a button and can use three different
print modes to create a variety of posters.
You can easily create both horizontal and vertical signs and banners from long input documents.
POSTER MAKER
POSTER MAKER
POSTER MAKER
Original
Reverse mode
Original
Photo modeNormal mode
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VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600 Printer Features, Parts and Paper 2-3
Use the partial enlargement feature to enlarge an area of interest on the original document.
Create posters in a variety of sizes. Paper rolls are available in 17", 23", 29" and 36" widths.
Choose from a variety of paper types and colors. The printer automatically reads the paper type, color and width
from the installed roll of paper.
•Direct thermal paper (DTP)—Cost-effective and striking, direct thermal paper is available in six colors and is
suitable for posters that will be displayed indoors.
•Thermal transfer paper (TTP)—Similar to regular paper, thermal transfer paper resists discoloration and is
suitable for posters that will be displayed for long periods of time.
•Heavy duty poly paper (HDP)—Heavy duty poly paper is made of plastic, which means it is waterproof, resists
discoloration and is extremely durable. It is suitable for posters that will be displayed outdoors.
For more information, refer to “Poster Maker paper” on page 2-9.
Original
Partial enlargement
POSTER MAKER
POSTER MAKER
POSTER MAKER
POSTER MAKER
17" 23" 29" 36"

2-4 Printer Features, Parts and Paper VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600
Connect the printer to an individual computer or a network with USB 2.0 and LAN 10 Base-T/100 Base-TX. (The
printer driver is Windows 2000 and XP compatible.) As previously noted, you can then use the VariQuest™ Design
Center Software to create and print posters from the computer.
Both the printer and scanner are contained in one compact, light unit, making it easy to set up the system in
restricted spaces.
LAN connector
USB connector
Network
cable
USB
cable
Scanner
Printer

VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600 Printer Features, Parts and Paper 2-5
System parts
Front view
Rear view
Document tray
Scanner cover
Control panel
Print output
Power switch
Document bay
Paper guide
Open/close release
Cutter
Printer cover
Cutter guard
LAN connector
USB connector
AC inlet
Power supply

2-6 Printer Features, Parts and Paper VariQuest™ Poster Maker 3600
Scanner
Printer
Document bay
Pinch roller
Platen glass
Document feed roller
Scanner cover
Document eject roller
Platen roller
Timing belt
Platen rubber
Paper feed roller
Timing belt
Pinch roller
Thermal heads
Paper bracket (right)
Interlock switch
Paper detector and sensor output
Paper bracket (left)